The Man of Integrity

1Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2Even zeal is no good without knowledge,

and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

3A man’s own folly subverts his way,

yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4Wealth attracts many friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who utters lies will not escape.

6Many seek the favor of the prince,

and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

7All the brothers of a poor man hate him—

how much more do his friends avoid him!

He may pursue them with pleading,

but they are nowhere to be found.

8He who acquires wisdom loves himself;

one who safeguards understanding will find success.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who pours out lies will perish.

10Luxury is unseemly for a fool—

how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11A man’s insight gives him patience,

and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is his father’s ruin,

and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Laziness brings on deep sleep,

and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul,

but he who is careless in his ways will die.

17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,

and He will repay the lender.

18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;

do not be party to his death.

19A man of great anger must pay the penalty;

if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

20Listen to counsel and accept discipline,

that you may be wise the rest of your days.

21Many plans are in a man’s heart,

but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

22The desire of a man is loving devotion;

better to be poor than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD leads to life,

that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

24The slacker buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware;

rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother

is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27If you cease to hear instruction, my son,

you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A corrupt witness mocks justice,

and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.